The German, 26, drove a perfect race from second on the grid to further extend his lead at the top of the world championship table, one race after clinching the title with his win in India.

"The car was absolutely brilliant. Not much more to say. Massive gaps, big surprise," said Vettel.

Vettel took the lead in the first corner of the race after his team-mate Mark Webber had a dreadful start from pole position. He finished more than 30 seconds ahead of Webber, with Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg in third.

It was Vettel's 11th win this season, equalling his tally from his second championship-winning season in 2011.

He remains on target to equal both Michael Schumacher's all-time record of 13 victories in one season and Alberto Ascari's of nine consecutive F1 grand prix wins, which has stood for 60 years.